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Deadline looming to apply to be a Rose Escort

Deadline looming to apply to be Rose Escorts in landmark 60th Year of the Rose of Tralee International Festival

FEBRUARY has faded into the background and as March moves in to brighten our days, it means that time is running out to apply to be a Rose Escort at the Rose of Tralee International Festival.

This year is a particularly special one for the world-famous Festival as it will celebrate 60 years from Friday 23rd to Tuesday 27th August 2019.

Thursday 20th March is the deadline for gentlemen aged 21 to 30 to put their names forward online at www.roseoftralee.ie/apply for a chance to enjoy “the best experience of their lives” as a Rose Escort at the Rose of Tralee International Festival

The primary role of a Rose Escort is to look after his Rose and ensure her time at the Festival is a memorable and enjoyable experience.

There are so many advantages to acquiring the role of a Rose of Tralee Escort as it is particularly suited to any young man possessing the desire to meet lots of new people, travel, build an international network of friends and most importantly have the best year of their life.

The 2018 Rose Escort of the Year, Paul Clabby from Co Roscommon, said: “There are so many reasons as to why I applied. I wanted to make new friends from all walks of life and immerse myself into one of the world’s biggest festivals for celebrating Irish diaspora and culture. From a young age, as a family we always watched the Rose of Tralee on the telly and it was always on my bucket list of life goals to become involved. I wish I became involved sooner.”

Interviews for candidates who have applied to be Rose Escorts will take place in Tralee and Dublin in March and April after which a shortlist of candidates will take part in a team-building Boot Camp in June at some of Kerry’s most stunning locations.

Once the final list of Rose Escorts has been confirmed, they will then participate in a range of Festival events in August including the Gala Rose Ball, three Parades and a week packed full of entertainment.

In order to be eligible to be a Rose Escort at the Rose of Tralee International Festival applicants must:

Be male, 21 years of age by 1st January 2019 and not have reached your 31st birthday on or prior to 1st September 201

Be unmarried or never been married

Be born in Ireland or of Irish origin by virtue of one of your ancestors having been born in Ireland

Be available for Selection events and if selected be available for the International Festival events from 21st to 27th August 2019 in Tralee

One of the gentlemen will be announced by Dáithí Ó Sé as the Rose Escort of the Year live on RTÉ television on Monday 26th August 2019.

The 2018 Rose Escort of the Year, Paul Clabby, said: "The streets of Tralee will come alive for a week-long celebration during which time we really do play our part as Rose Escorts ensuring that our Roses have a phenomenal experience right from the beginning. Even when the festival ends, it is really only the beginning of one of the best years of your life. To date I have travelled to many engagements all over the world. I have tapped kegs of local beer in Frankfurt, participated in various RTÉ TV shows and crossed paths with some of the world’s most inspiring people. And as we say in Roscommon the best is yet to come. Next up is New York, Philadelphia and so much more. Overall the festival has catapulted me into an exciting new life, what are you waiting for!!"

Each candidate will be charged an application fee, and should he be chosen as a Rose Escort, he will be required to obtain sponsorship of €1500.